Former Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina has expressed disappointment over the team’s lacklustre performance in IPL 2025, stating that the current squad lacks the hunger and intent that once defined CSK. The five-time IPL champions find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season, sitting near the bottom of the table after winning just two of their first eight games. Raina, a World Cup winner and one of CSK’s most iconic players, spoke about the team’s decline in an Instagram video alongside his former teammate Harbhajan Singh. When asked if this was the weakest CSK side he had seen, Raina responded: "Definitely yes. I think there's no intent. The hunger to win is not there. Not to disrespect anyone, but the brand that CSK is known for, that's not there now." With MS Dhoni stepping in as captain midway through the tournament after Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, CSK are now in a near must-win situation for every remaining match. But even Dhoni seems to be thinking long-term, hinting at preparations for IPL 2026 instead of short-term fixes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) "When you don't bring local flavour, it doesn't work": Raina questions team selection Another point of concern raised by Raina was the lack of local players in the CSK setup. The team’s auction strategy has been criticised for ignoring in-form domestic talent in favour of ageing, out-of-form Indian players. Also READ: Watch: Pakistan bowler accidentally punches teammate in bizarre PSL 2025 Moment While CSK finally handed a debut to Ayush Mhatre, who impressed against Mumbai Indians, Raina believes the team needs more such bold moves. "Look at how local players who have played in TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League). Sai Sudharsan is doing well, he is playing for Gujarat Titans. Sai Kishore and Shahrukh Khan are also playing for GT. You have to bring local players," Raina said. He also stressed the importance of powerplay intent, something CSK have sorely lacked. "When we played in Chennai, we were not playing dot balls. Strike rotation wins matches. In the first six overs, we showed intent. And in the death, there were the likes of MS Dhoni and Albie Morkel... Because of all these, we were winning," he added. CSK will return to action on April 25, where they will host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chepauk Stadium.